AERB SAFETY CODE NO. AERB/SC/MED-2 (Rev.

1)

SAFETY CODE FOR

MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY
EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATIONS

Approved by the Board on October 5, 2001

This document is subject to review, after a period of one

year from the date of issue, based on the feedback received.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

Mumbai 400 094
 Price:

Orders for this Code should be addressed to:

Administrative Officer
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Niyamak Bhavan
Anushaktinagar
Mumbai - 400 094.
 FOREWORD

Widespread utilisation of ionising radiation for multifarious applications in

medicine, industry, agriculture, research etc. has brought in its wake the need
for exercising regulatory controls to ensure safety of users, members of the public
and the environment. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), constituted
under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 by the Government of India, is entrusted with
the responsibility of developing and implementing appropriate regulatory
measures aimed at ensuring radiation safety in all applications involving ionising
radiation. One of the ways to meet these responsibilities is to develop and enforce
specific codes and standards dealing with radiation safety aspects of various
applications of ionising radiation to cover the entire spectrum of operations,
starting from design of radiation equipment, their installation and use to
decommissioning/disposal.

In view of the fact that regulatory standards and requirements, techniques of

radiation safety engineering and type of equipment change with time, it becomes
necessary to review and revise codes and standards from time to time to
incorporate these changes.

In addition to the safety of workers and members of the public, it is of utmost

importance to ensure radiological safety of the patient in medical (diagnostic and
therapeutic) uses of radiation. Diagnostic radiology facilities are widely available
in the country and a large number of persons undergo diagnostic X-ray
procedures every year. It is therefore imperative that adequate attention to safety
is paid with regard to this widespread practice.

The first "Safety Code for Medical Diagnostic X-ray Equipment and Installations,
AERB/SC/MED-2" was issued by AERB in December 1986. This Code has been
revised by a task group (Task Group II) constituted by AERB. The revised Safety
Code for "Medical Diagnostic X-ray Equipment and Installations" has considered
all changes in the recommendations of ICRP and has incorporated all the latest
regulatory requirements relevant to medical X-ray diagnostic practice.

The Standing Committee for Review and Revision of AERB's Radiation Safety
Documents constituted by Chairman, AERB has undertaken the scrutiny and

i
finalisation of this Code. The revised Code, approved for issuance on October
5, 2001 by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, is effective from its date of
approval, and replaces the earlier Code dated December 30, 1986.

AERB wishes to thank all individuals and organisations for help in the revision
of the Code. The names of individuals who participated in the preparation of both
the first Code and its present revision are listed for information, along with their
affiliations.

(Suhas P. Sukhatme)
Chairman, AERB

ii
 DEFINITIONS

Annual Limit of Intake (ALI)

The intake by inhalation, ingestion or through skin of a given radionuclide in

a year by the Reference Man which would result in a committed dose equal to
the relevant dose limit. The ALI is expressed in units of activity.

Attenuation

A reduction in intensity of radiation passing through matter due to processes

such as absorption and scattering.

Beam Hardening

The process of filtration of an X-ray beam by the preferential absorption of lower

energy photons, thereby increasing the average energy of the beam.

Collimator or Field-Limiting Diaphragm

A device used for limiting the size and shape of the primary radiation beam.

Commissioning

The process during which structures, systems and components of a facility,

having been constructed, are made operational and verified to be in accordance
with design specifications and to have met the performance criteria.

Competent Authority

Any official or authority appointed, approved or recognised by the Government

for the purpose of the Rules promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

Decommissioning

The process by which a facility is finally taken out of operation in a manner that
provides adequate protection to the health and safety of the workers, the public
and the environment.`

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Dose

A measure of the radiation received or absorbed by a target. The quantities termed

absorbed dose, organ dose, equivalent dose, effective dose, committed equivalent
dose, or committed effective dose are used, depending on the context. The
modifying terms are used when they are necessary for defining the quantity of
interest.

Dosimetry

Measurements and/or calculations performed in connection with the determination

of radiation dose and/or dose distributions in the irradiated volume.

Effective Dose

The quantity E, defined as a summation of the tissue equivalent doses, each

multiplied by the appropriate tissue weighting factor.

E = Σ WT .HT
T

where HT is the equivalent dose in tissue T and WT is the tissue weighting factor
for tissue T. The unit of effective dose is joule per kilogram (J.kg-1), termed sievert
(Sv).

Equivalent Dose

The quantity HT,R defined as:

HT,R = DT,R .WR

where DT,R is the absorbed dose delivered by radiation type R averaged over
a tissue or organ T, and WR is the radiation weighting factor for radiation type
R. When the radiation field is composed of different radiation types with different
values of WR, the equivalent dose is defined as:

HT = Σ DT,R .WR .
R

The unit of equivalent dose is joule per kilogram (J.kg-1), termed sievert (Sv).

iv
Employer

Any person with recognised responsibility, commitment and duties towards a

worker in his or her employment by virtue of a mutually agreed relationship (A
self-employed person is regarded as being both a worker and employer).

Filter

A radiation attenuating material incorporated in the path of the radiation beam

to absorb preferentially the less penetrating components of the useful beam. It
may consist of a permanent filter which is an integral part of the X-ray tube
housing and which cannot be removed by the user, and/or an added filter which
is intended to increase the total filter thickness.

Fluoroscopic Screen

A plastic base upon which a layer of fluorescent material is evenly spread and
which emits visible radiation on being subjected to X-rays;

Gantry Aperture

The physical opening in the CT scanner through which the patient is moved for
the X-ray examination.

Grid

A device composed of alternate strips of lead and radiolucent material encased

and suitably placed between the patient and X-ray film to absorb scattered
radiation. "Potter Bucky grid" or "Bucky" means a device containing a grid and
a mechanism to impart motion to the grid during radiography exposure.

Handle

Manufacture, possess, store, use, transfer by sale or otherwise, import, transport,

or dispose of.

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Kerma

The quantity K, defined as:

K = dEtr /dm

where, dEtr is the sum of the initial kinetic energies of all charged ionising particles
liberated by uncharged ionising particles in a material of mass dm. The SI unit
of kerma is the joule per kilogram (J.kg-1), termed gray (Gy).

Lead Equivalence

The thickness of lead, which, under specified conditions of irradiation, affords

the same attenuation as the material under consideration.

Leakage Radiation

Any radiation coming out of the source/tube housing, except the useful beam
or primary beam.

Light Beam Collimator or Light Beam Diaphragm

The mechanism to collimate and indicate the radiation field by optical means.

Milliampere-seconds (mAs)

The product of the current through X-ray tube in mA and the duration of the
exposure in seconds.

Quality Assurance

Planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that

an item or facility will perform satisfactorily in service as per the design
specifications.

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Radiation

Gamma rays, X-rays or rays consisting of alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons,
protons and other nuclear subatomic particles, but not sound or radiowaves, or
visible, infrared, ultraviolet light.

Radiation Protection Survey/Radiological Survey

An evaluation of radiation safety using appropriate radiation measuring

instruments.

Radiological Safety Officer (RSO)

Any person who is so designated by the employer and who, in the opinion of
the competent authority, is qualified to discharge the functions outlined in the
Radiation Protection Rules, 1971.

Safety

Protection of all persons from undue radiological hazards.

Tube Housing

A shielding enclosure provided around an X-ray tube, in order to:

(i) define the useful beam; and

(ii) limit the radiation levels outside the useful beam so as not to exceed the
radiation leakage levels as prescribed by the competent authority.

Type Approval

Approval issued by the competent authority based on evaluation of the device

to ensure that it conforms to safety standards.

vii
Useful Beam or Primary Beam

That part of the emergent radiation from an X-ray tube housing which is capable
of being used for the purpose for which the X-ray equipment is intended.

Worker

Any person, who works, whether full-time, part-time or temporarily, for an

employer, and who has recognised rights and duties in relation to occupational
radiation protection. (A self-employed person is regarded as having the duties
of both an employer and worker).

Note: Words and expression not defined in this Code, but defined in the Act, Rules and
Surveillance Procedures shall have meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act, Rules
and Surveillance Procedures.

viii
 SPECIAL DEFINITIOINS

Beam Shaping (Flattening) Filter or Bowtie Filter

An X-ray beam filter composed of a material such as graphite, teflon or aluminium,

which, when placed in the X-ray tube, more heavily attenuates peripheral portions
of the X-ray beam which pass through the thinner portions of the patient. The
term bowtie refers to the shape of the filter.

Cone

A device by which X-ray beam is confined to a specified area, size or dimension.

Detector

A device element of a detector unit or array which receives X-rays and responds
by producing an electrical or light signal. The entire assembly of X-ray receiver
may contain a single element of a detector or an array of detectors.

Focus

That area of the anode in an X-ray tube on which X-ray-producing electrons are
incident.

Kilovolt Peak (kVp)

The peak kilo-voltage applied across an X-ray tube.

Mobile Equipment or Portable Equipment

Equipment intended to be moved or carried from one location to another between

periods of use.

Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

A curve plotting spatial frequency on the horizontal axis against a modulation

transfer value on the vertical axis. This curve indicates how well an image

ix
represents the true spatial frequencies with an object at each spatial frequency.
The maximum value of the modulation transfer function is 1.0. The curve
"function" indicates the degree of accuracy of "transfer" of the modulation (spatial
frequency) from an object to the image at different spatial frequencies within the
image.

Milliampere (mA)

A measure of the electric current through X-ray tube (also called tube current).

Noise

A point-to-point variation in image density that does not contain useful

information.

Permanent Filter

See "filter".

Person

Person includes:

(a) any individual, corporation, association of persons, whether incorporated

or not, partnership, estate, private or public institution, group, government
agency, or any state or any political subdivision thereof, or any political
entity within the state, any foreign government or nation, or any political
subdivisions of any such government or nation or other entity.

(b) any legal successor, representative or agent of each of the foregoing.

Protective Barrier or Shielding

A barrier of radiation-attenuating material used to reduce radiation levels.

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Scan Incrementation

The movement of the patient couch to a different slice level during a computed
tomography (CT) examination.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The ratio of strength of the signal for information content in the image-to-noise
level.

X-ray Equipment or X-ray Unit

The integrated assembly consisting of X-ray tube along with its housing,
supporting structures, associated accessories necessary for proper operation, and
inclusive of built-in radiation safety devices.

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 CONTENTS

FOREWORD ............................................................................................... i

DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................. iii

SPECIAL DEFINITIONS ............................................................................. ix

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 1

2. SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY

EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE DEVICES ................................ 2

3. ROOM LAYOUT FOR AN X-RAY INSTALLATION .................. 19

4. RADIATION PROTECTION AND WORK PRACTICE ............... 22

5. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ......... 24

6. REGULATORY CONTROLS ............................................................ 27

APPENDIX-I : DOSE LIMITS ........................................................... 30

APPENDIX-II: THE X-RADIATION WARNING SIGN ................... 31

APPENDIX-III: MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED FOR PERSONNEL ................................. 32

APPENDIX-IV: FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR NOC/TYPE

APPROVAL OF MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY/
FLUOROSCOPY/CT/MAMMOGRAPHY/DENTAL
X-RAY EQUIPMENT" .............................................. 33

APPENDIX-V: FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL

OF X-RAY INSTALLATION LAYOUT" ................. 39
APPENDIX-VI: FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF
NOMINATION OF RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY
OFFICER LEVEL-I" ................................................... 41

APPENDIX-VII: FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF

SERVICE ENGINEER" ............................................... 46

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................... 49

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS .......................................................................... 50

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CODES AND GUIDES FOR MEDICAL

APPLICATIONS OF RADIATION ............................................................ 50

TASK GROUP II: TASK GROUP FOR REVISION OF AERB SAFETY

CODE FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY EQUIPMENT AND
INSTALLATIONS ................................................................................... 51

STANDING COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND REVISION OF AERB'S

RADIATION SAFETY DOCUMENTS (SCRCG) ...................................... 52
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

This Code is intended to govern radiation safety in design, installation

and operation of X-ray generating equipment for medical diagnostic
purposes in order to:

(a) ensure that radiation workers and members of the public are not
exposed to radiation in excess of limits specified by the competent
authority under the Radiation Protection Rules, 1971, and by
safety directives issued from time to time;
(b) reduce radiation exposures below these limits to levels as low as
reasonably achievable;
(c) ensure availability of appropriate equipment, personnel and
expertise for safe use of the equipment and for patient protection;
and
(d) ensure timely detection and prompt rectification of radiation
safety-related defects or malfunctioning of the equipment.

1.2 Scope

Radiation safety in handling of radiation generating plants is governed

by section 17 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Radiation
Protection Rules (RPR), G.S.R. - 1601, 1971 issued under the Act. The
"Radiation Surveillance Procedures for Medical Applications of Radiation,
G.S.R. - 388, 1989", issued under rule 15 specify general requirements for
ensuring radiation protection in installation and handling of X-ray
equipment. This Code elaborates the safety requirements contained in the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962, the Radiation Protection Rules, 1971 and the
Radiation Surveillance Procedures relevant to medical diagnostic X-ray
equipment and installations and their use. Guidance and practical aspects
on implementing the requirements of this Code are provided in various
guides issued under this Code.

1
 2. SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS FOR MEDICAL
DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY EQUIPMENT AND
PROTECTIVE DEVICES

2.1 General Purpose Radiographic Equipment

2.1.1 Tube Housing

Every housing for medical diagnostic X-ray equipment shall be so

constructed that leakage radiation through the protective tube housing
in any direction, averaged over an area not larger than 100 cm2 with no
linear dimension greater than 20 cm, shall not exceed an air kerma of
1 mGy in one hour at a distance of 1.0 m from the X-ray target when
the tube is operating at the maximum rated kVp and for the maximum rated
current at that kVp. There shall be a distinctly visible mark on the tube
housing to indicate the plane of focus.

2.1.2 Beam Limiting Devices

Tube housing for stationary and mobile diagnostic X-ray units shall be
provided with light beam collimators. These collimators shall comply with
the leakage radiation level prescribed for tube housing.

2.1.3 Beam Filtration

(a) The minimum total filtration in useful beam for maximum rated
operating tube potential shall be as given in the following table:

TABLE: MINIMUM TOTAL FILTRATION FOR X-RAY TUBES

Maximum rated tube potential (kVp) Minimum total filtration (mm Al)
Less than 70 1.5
70 to and including 100 2.0
Above 100 2.5

2
 (b) Total filtration shall be indicated on the tube housing. The total
permanent filtration in the tube shall be not less than 1.5 mm Al.

2.1.4 Tube Positioning

X-ray unit shall have facilities for tube positioning, target-to-film distance
selection, useful beam centring and angulation, positioning of the patient
and the X-ray film for exposure in the desired manner, and appropriate
features to display the same.

2.1.5 Locking Devices

Tube housing and tube support shall have appropriate locking devices
to immobilise the tube in the desired location and orientation.

2.1.6 Bucky Alignment

X-ray table shall have provisions for correct positioning of the grid, the
bucky tray and the film cassette in proper alignment with the useful beam
and for their locking in the desired position.

2.1.7 Cable Length

X-ray unit shall be provided with electrical cables of sufficient length so

that the control panel/operation switch can be located and operated from
a minimum distance of 3 m from the nearest position of the X-ray tube.
For mobile/portable X-ray equipment the cable length shall be not less
than 2 m.

2.1.8 Control Panel

Control panel shall be provided with means to indicate and control

exposure parameters, including tube potential, time of exposure, tube
current, and integral exposure in milliampere-seconds (mAs). It shall also
provide facilities for technique selection and the engagement of the bucky
mechanism. A clearly marked and identifiable indicator shall be provided
at the control panel to show whether the X-ray beam is 'ON' or 'OFF'.
For portable/mobile units appropriate indication of exposure parameters
shall be provided.

3
2.1.9 Common Station

When more than one tube can be operated from a single control panel,
there shall be indication at or near the tube housing and on the control
panel showing which of the tubes is being operated.

2.1.10 Exposure Switch

Control panel shall have provision to terminate X-ray exposure

automatically after a pre-set time or manually at any moment before this
time by removing pressure from it. When mechanical timers are provided,
repeated exposures shall not be possible without resetting the timer. The
timer shall be capable of accurately reproducing short exposure of 0.05
second and its maximum range of exposure shall not exceed 5 second.
The exposure device shall be so arranged that inadvertent exposure is
not possible.

2.1.11 Radiation Leakage from Transformer

Radiation levels at 5 cm from the transformer surface of the X-ray unit

shall not exceed 5 µGy in any one hour.

2.2 Dental X-Ray Equipment

2.2.1 Tube Housing

Tube housing shall conform to leakage radiation levels prescribed for

radiography equipment in 2.1.1.

2.2.2 Beam Filtration

Beam filtration requirements shall be the same as given in 2.1.3.

2.2.3 Focus-to-Skin Distance

(a) Dental X-ray assemblies for use with intra-oral films shall be
provided with dental cones ensuring the minimum focal spot
to skin (FSD) distance as given in the following table:

4
 TABLE: MINIMUM FOCAL SPOT TO SKIN DISTANCES FOR
DENTAL X-RAY ASSEMBLIES
Maximum rated tube potential (kVp) Minimum focus-to-skin distance (cm)
Between 50 and 60 10
Above 60 and up to and including 75 20
Above 75 30

(b) In case of orthopan tomography (OPG) equipment for dental

panoramic tomography, the focus-to-skin distance shall be not
less than 15 cm.

2.2.4 Dental Cones

(a) X-ray tube shall be provided with such cones that will limit the
beam diameter to less than 7.5 cm at the distance specified at
the cone end. Interchangeable cones with built-in diaphragm
shall be marked with the diameter of cross-section of the useful
beam at FSD. The cone shall provide the same degree of
protective shielding as specified for leakage from housing in 2.1.1.
(b) In case of OPG, the protective shielding to attenuate the
transmitted radiation shall form an integral part of the equipment.

2.2.5 Control Panel

Control panel shall be provided with means to indicate and control the
exposure parameters such as tube potential (kVp), tube current (mA),
and beam “ON” and “OFF”.

2.2.6 Cable Length

X-ray unit shall be provided with an electrical cable, which shall be

connected to the operating switch at its end. Its length shall be such
that the operating switch can be operated from a minimum distance of
2 m from the nearest position of X-ray tube.

5
2.3 Mammography X-Ray Equipment

2.3.1 Tube Housing

Tube housing shall be so constructed that leakage radiation averaged

over an area of 100 cm2, with no linear dimension greater than 20 cm and
located at 5 cm from any point on the external surface of X-ray tube
housing, does not exceed 0.02 mGy in any one hour.

2.3.2 Beam-Limiting Devices

Tube housing shall be provided with such removable beam-limiting device

that at any target-to-receptor distance specified for the unit, the beam
size shall not exceed that of the image receptor next to the chest wall
by 2% of the target-to-receptor distance and shall also not exceed beyond
any other edge of the receptor. The beam-limiting device shall be provided
with sufficient shielding to reduce the radiation level of primary beam
as specified for the tube housing in 2.3.1. The image receptor support
shall be such that transmitted dose, when operated at the maximum rated
kVp and the maximum rated current at that kVp, is less than 1 µGy per
exposure at 5 cm beyond the support with no breast present. The device
shall bear on its external surface clearly visible permanent markings stating
the image receptor size and the target-to-receptor distance for which the
device is designed.

2.3.3 Beam Filtration

The total filtration in the useful beam shall be not less than 0.03 mm of
molybdenum for screen-film mammography for Mo-W alloy target type
and 0.5 mm of aluminium for xeromammography for W-target X-ray tubes.
If an edge filter is used, the attenuation equivalent shall be given for
the low energy side of absorption edge. The total permanent filter and
attenuation equivalent shall be indicated on the tube housing.

2.3.4 Tube Positioning

Sub-section 2.1.4 shall apply.

6
2.3.5 Locking Devices

Sub-section 2.1.5 shall apply.

2.3.6 Cable Length

X-ray unit shall be provided with an electrical cable of sufficient length

so that the control panel/operation switch can be located and operated
from a minimum distance of 3 m from the nearest position of X-ray tube.

2.3.7 Control Panel

Control panel shall be provided with means to indicate control and

exposure parameters including tube potential, exposure time and tube
current/integral exposure in mAs. A clearly marked and identifiable
indicator shall be provided at the control panel to show whether the X-
ray beam is "ON" or "OFF".

2.3.8 Exposure Switch

Control panel shall have provision to terminate X-ray exposure

automatically after a pre-set time or manually at any moment before this
time by removing pressure from it. Pre-set time shall be such that it shall
assure a net optical density (OD) within ± 0.15 OD on the films necessary
for a clear X-ray of breast. When mechanical timer is provided, repeated
exposures shall not be possible without resetting the timer. The timer
shall be capable of accurately reproducing short exposure of 0.05 s and
its maximum range of exposure shall not exceed 5 s. The exposure device
shall be so arranged that inadvertent exposure is not possible.

2.3.9 Radiation Leakage from Transformer

Sub-section 2.1.11 shall apply.

2.3.10 Breast Compression Device

A device for maintaining firm breast compression shall be provided to

assure uniform thickness of the compressed breast. The degree of

7
 compression shall be smoothly adjustable and shall remain at the set level
during exposure. The compression plate shall not attenuate the beam by
more than 2 mm tissue equivalent material.

2.4 Photofluorographic X-Ray Equipment (MMR)

2.4.1 Tube Housing

Sub-section 2.1.1 shall apply.

2.4.2 Beam-Limiting Device

Tube housing of X-ray equipment designed for a fixed image receptor

size and fixed target-to-fluorescent screen distance shall be provided with
such beam limiting device that the equipment becomes inoperative if a
part of the useful beam at the plane of fluorescent screen extends beyond
the area of fluorescent screen. When the photofluorographic equipment
is designed for a variable image receptor size and variable target-to-
receptor distance, the collimator shall be adjustable and shall give a
rectangular beam.

2.4.3 Protective Flaps

Protective flaps of 0.25 mm lead equivalence shall be provided on the

bracket attached to the bottom of fluorescent screen mounting such that
it can be swivelled into place to protect against scattered radiation.

2.4.4 Tube-Screen Alignment

Means shall be provided to ensure that the beam axis will be perpendicular
to the plane of the screen and pass through the centre of screen.

2.4.5 Beam Filtration

Sub-section 2.1.3 shall apply.

8
2.4.6 Tube Positioning

Sub-section 2.1.4 shall apply.

2.4.7 Locking Devices

Mass miniature radiography X-ray unit shall be provided with an interlock

arrangement on the film holder mechanism such that it shall not be
possible to take more than one film exposure without resetting each time.

2.4.8 Cable Length

Sub-section 2.1.7 shall apply.

2.4.9 Control Panel

Sub-section 2.1.8 shall apply.

2.4.10 Exposure Switch

Sub-section 2.1.10 shall apply. Further, a back-up or safety timer shall also
be provided to safeguard against failure of the phototimer. There shall
also be a visual/aural indicator device to alert the operator in case
phototimer fails to terminate the exposure.

2.4.11 Radiation Leakage from Transformer

Sub-section 2.1.11 shall apply.

2.5 Computed Tomography (CT) Unit

2.5.1 Tube Housing

Sub-section 2.1.1 shall apply.

9
2.5.2 Beam-Limiting Devices

The tube housing shall be provided with beam-limiting devices so that

unattenuated primary beam at the plane of detector shall not exceed the
useful dimension of detector by more than 20%.

2.5.3 Beam Filtration

Tube housing shall be provided with filter for both beam-hardening and
beam-flattening (bow-tie filter).

2.5.4 Scan Plane Visualiser

A scan plane visualisation device shall be provided to indicate directly

or indirectly the position of slice plane(s) (tomographic plane or a
reference plane offset from the tomographic plane) on the patient
within ± 2 mm.

2.5.5 Couch Position Accuracy

The accuracy of positioning of the patient couch shall be ± 2 mm and

independent of the direction of motion of the couch.

2.5.6 Beam-ON Indicators

Visual indicators shall be provided on the control console and on the

gantry of the scanning system to indicate whether X-ray scanning is in
progress. Indicators on the gantry housing of the scanning mechanism
shall be discernible from any point external to the patient side of the
gantry.

2.5.7 Scan Increment Accuracy

The deviation of indicated scan increment from actual scan increment shall
not exceed ± 0.5 mm with a weight of 100 kg simulating a human body
on the patient couch.

10
2.5.8 Gantry Aperture Clearance

Gantry aperture clearance at the extremes of tilt shall permit the scanning
of at least a 50 cm thick patient.

2.5.9 Image Receptor

Housing and supporting plates of image receptor of a CT system shall

provide shielding equivalent to at least 2 mm lead for 100 kVp. From 100
to 150 kVp an additional lead equivalent of 0.01 mm per kVp shall be
required. The lead equivalence shall be clearly stated on the equipment.

2.5.10 Visual Indicators

CT conditions of operation to be used during a scan or scan sequence

shall be indicated prior to initiation sequence. For equipment having all
or some of these conditions of operation at fixed values, this requirement
shall be met by permanent markings. Indication of CT conditions of
operation shall be visible from any position from which scan initiation
is possible.

2.5.11 Timers

Means shall be provided to terminate X-ray exposure automatically as

soon as the selected scan has been completed or in the event of
equipment failure affecting data collection. Means shall also be provided
so that the operator can terminate the X-ray exposure at any time during
a scan or a series of scans under X-ray system control of greater than
0.5 second duration. A visible signal shall indicate when the X-ray
exposure has been terminated through these means, and manual resetting
of the CT conditions of operation shall be required prior to initiation of
another scan. A back-up timer or device shall also be provided to monitor
equipment function, and if the timer fails, it shall terminate the exposure
at 110 percent of set value of total scan time.

11
2.5.12 Warm-up Conditions

Initiation of an exposure shall not be possible if the scanning motor fails

to start, unless warm-up conditions are met or a localisation exposure has
been selected. If the warm-up facility is provided on a CT system, there
shall be a clear indication on the control panel when the warm-up mode
has been selected, and there shall be a device which de-energises the
X-ray tube on completion of the desired warm-up phase.

2.6 Fluoroscopy X-Ray Equipment

2.6.1 Fluoroscopy Tube Housing and Filtration

Tube housing shall conform to leakage radiation levels prescribed for

radiography equipment in 2.1.1. The useful beam shall have a total
filtration of not less than 2.0 mm aluminium for general fluoroscopy.

2.6.2 Protective Lead Glass

Protective lead glass covering of the fluorescent screen shall have a lead
equivalent thickness of 2.0 mm for units operating up to 100 kVp. For
units operating at higher kilovoltages the lead equivalence shall be
increased at the rate of 0.01 mm per kVp.

2.6.3 Lead Rubber Flaps

X-ray table and fluoroscopy screen shall be provided with means of

adequate protection for the radiologist and other staff against scattered
X-rays. Protective flaps having lead equivalence of not less than 0.5 mm
and sufficient dimensions to protect the radiologist shall be so provided
that they are suspended (a) from the bottom of the screen such that the
flaps overlap the fluoroscopic chair in vertical fluoroscopy, and (b) from
the edge of the screen, nearest to the radiologist, such that the flaps
extend down to the table top in case of horizontal fluoroscopy. The
'bucky-slot' shall be provided with a cover of 0.5 mm lead equivalence
on the radiologist's side.

12
2.6.4 Tube-Screen Alignment

X-ray tube and fluoroscopic screen shall be rigidly coupled and aligned
so that both move together synchronously and the X-ray beam axis
passes through the centre of the screen in all positions of the tube and
screen.

2.6.5 Field Limiting Diaphragm

Tube housing shall be provided with a field-limiting diaphragm. Its control

mechanism shall be so mechanically restricted that even when the
diaphragm is fully opened and the screen is at the maximum distance from
the table, there is still an unilluminated margin of at least 1 cm all along
the edges of the screen. The diaphragm control knobs shall be located
on the frame of the fluorescent screen and provided with local shielding
of at least 0.25 mm lead equivalence.

2.6.6 Focus-to-Table Top Distance

The focus-to-table top distance shall be not less than 30 cm for

fluoroscopy units.

2.6.7 Fluoroscopy Timer

The unit shall have a cumulative timer and its maximum range shall not
exceed 5 minutes. There shall also be provision for an audible signal at
the end of the pre-set time.

2.6.8 Foot-Switch and Visual Indicator

A foot-operated pressure switch shall be provided for conducting

fluoroscopy examinations. There shall be a visual indication on the control
panel when the beam is “ON”.

2.6.9 Table-Top Exposure

The air kerma rate measured at table top for the minimum focus-to-table
top distance shall be as low as possible, and in any case shall not exceed
5 cGy per min.

13
2.6.10 Control Panel

Sub-section 2.3.7 shall apply.

2.7 Image Intensifier Television System X-Ray Equipment

2.7.1 Tube housing

Sub-section 2.1.1 shall apply.

2.7.2 Primary Protective Barrier

Fluoroscopic equipment shall be so constructed that, under conditions

of use for patients, a primary protective barrier permanently incorporated
into the equipment shall limit the entire section of the beam. The exposure
shall automatically terminate when this barrier is removed from the beam.
The kerma rate due to transmission through the primary barrier, combined
with scatter from an attenuation block in the useful beam, shall not exceed
20 µGy per h at 10 cm from any accessible surface beyond the plane of
the image receptor for each 1 cGy per min of block entrance kerma.

2.7.3 Beam Limiting Device

An adjustable collimator shall be provided to restrict the size of the beam

to the area of interest. Collimators shall be so arranged that for spot film
radiography, the shutters shall automatically change to the required field
size before each exposure.

2.7.4 Beam Filtration

Sub-section 2.1.3 shall apply.

2.7.5 Tube-Receptor Alignment

X-ray tube and collimating system shall be so linked with the image
receptor assembly that the beam is centred on the image receptor
assembly. The beam shall be confined within the useful receptor area
at all source-image receptor distances.

14
2.7.6 Focus-to-Skin Distance

Sub-section 2.6.6 shall apply.

2.7.7 Bucky Slot Closure

When the X-ray tube is permanently located under a table, the table shall
be provided with a bucky slot closure having lead equivalence of 0.5 mm
to attenuate all scattered radiation originating under the table.

2.7.8 Table Top Exposure

The kerma rate, measured in air at the position where the centre of the
useful beam enters the patient, shall be less than 5 cGy per min for units
without automatic brightness control (ABC) and less than 10 cGy per min
for units with ABC.

2.7.9 Entrance Exposure

For photofluorographic spot film cameras, the entrance kerma at image

intensifier for maximum tube potential and current shall not be greater
than 3.0 µGy per exposure. For cine-fluorography, the entrance kerma
to the image intensifier shall not be more than 0.3 µGy per frame.

2.7.10 Area of X-ray Beam

The length and width of X-ray field in the plane of the image receptor
shall not exceed the corresponding distances of the image receptor by
more than 3% of source-to-image distance (SID). The sum of excess
length and width shall be not greater than 4% of SID.

2.8 Digital Subtraction Angiography X-Ray Equipment

Sub-sections 2.8.1 to 2.8.10 shall be the same as sub-sections 2.7.1 to

2.7.10 respectively.

2.8.11 Image Intensifier

Image intensifier shall have an intrinsic resolution of at least 4 line pairs

15
 (lp) per mm at a modulation transfer function value of 0.1.

2.8.12 Video Camera

Video camera shall have a signal-to-noise ratio equal to or greater than

500 : 1 and shall employ a progressive read-out.

2.9 Radiation Protection Devices

2.9.1 Protective Barrier

The protective barrier between operator/control panel and X-ray tube/

patient shall be of appropriate size and design to shield the operator
adequately against leakage and scattered radiation. It shall have a
minimum lead equivalence of 1.5 mm. A viewing window of approximately
1.5 mm lead equivalence shall be provided on the barrier. Lead equivalence
shall be indicated on the barrier as well as on the viewing window.

2.9.2 Fluoroscopy Chair

Fluoroscopy chair shall have a minimum of 1.5 mm lead equivalence and

its design shall ensure adequate protection to the radiologist against
scattered radiation.

2.9.3 Protective Aprons

Protective aprons shall have a minimum lead equivalence of 0.25 mm and

their size/design shall ensure adequate protection to the torso and gonads
of the radiologist against scattered radiation.

2.9.4 Protective Gloves

Protective gloves shall have a minimum lead equivalence of 0.25 mm and

the design shall ensure adequate protection against scattered radiation
reaching the hands and wrists and shall permit easy movements of hands/
fingers.

16
2.9.5 Gonad Shield

Gonad shields shall have a minimum lead equivalence of 0.5 mm.

2.9.6 Cassette Pass Box

The cassette pass box intended for installation in the X-ray room wall
shall have a shielding of 2.0 mm lead equivalence. The design shall be
such that the pass box can be opened from one side at a time.

2.9.7 Temporary Film Storage

The box intended for temporary storage of undeveloped films shall have
not less than 2.0 mm lead equivalence all around.

2.9.8 Vehicle-Mounted X-ray Equipment

X-ray units installed in a mobile van or vehicle, e.g. for medical surveys/
clinics in remote areas, shall be provided with an appropriate shielding
enclosure to ensure adequate built-in protection for persons likely to be
present in and around the vehicle.

2.9.9 Shielding Continuity

Appropriate overlap of shielding materials shall be provided at the joints

or discontinuities so as to ensure minimum prescribed shielding all over
the surface of all radiation protection devices. Care shall be taken to
ensure that lead or any other shielding material does not creep or flow,
resulting in reduction of shielding in any location.

2.9.10 Markings

Lead equivalence of shielding incorporated in radiation protection devices

shall be marked conspicuously and indelibly on them.

17
2.9.11 Immobilisation

Facilities for immobilisation of patients, especially children, shall be

provided so as to minimise holding of patients during X-ray examinations.

2.9.12 Miscellaneous Accessories

Additional radiation protection devices, which would be necessary for

specialised radiological investigations, shall have a minimum of 0.5 mm
lead equivalence.

2.9.13 Conventional Safety

Appropriate equipment shall be available to prevent/manage conventional

hazards such as fire, flooding and electrical emergencies. Electrical lines
to the X-ray unit shall be separated from lines to other utilities. Fire alarms
and all electrical features shall comply with the safety regulations outlined
in IS-7620 Parts 1 and 2.

18
 3. ROOM LAYOUT FOR AN X-RAY INSTALLATION

3.1 Location of X-Ray Installation

Rooms housing diagnostic X-ray units and related equipment shall be

located as far away as feasible from areas of high occupancy and general
traffic, such as maternity and paediatric wards and other departments of
the hospital that are not directly related to radiation and its use. In case
the installation is located in a residential complex, it shall be ensured that
(i) wall(s) of the X-ray rooms on which primary X-ray beam falls is (are)
not less than 35 cm thick brick or equivalent, (ii) walls(s) of the X-ray
room on which scattered X-ray fall is (are) not less than 23 cm thick brick
or equivalent, and (iii) there is a shielding equivalent to at least 23 cm
thick brick or 1.7 mm lead in front of the door(s) and windows of the
X-ray room to protect the adjacent areas, either used by general public
or not under possession of the owner of the X-ray room.

3.2 Layout

The layout of rooms in an X-ray installation shall be such that the number
of doors for entry to the X-ray rooms shall be kept to the minimum. The
unit shall be so located that it shall not be possible to direct the primary
X-ray beam towards dark room, door, windows, and control panel, or areas
of high occupancy.

3.3 Room Size

The room housing an X-ray unit shall be not less than 18 m2 for general
purpose radiography and conventional fluoroscopy equipment. The size
of room housing the gantry of the CT unit shall not be less than 25 m2.
Also, not more than one unit of any type shall be installed in the same
room, and no single dimension of these X-ray rooms shall be less than
4 m.

3.4 Shielding

Appropriate structural shielding shall be provided for walls, doors, ceiling

and floor of the room housing the X-ray unit so that doses received by

19
 workers and the members of public are kept to the minimum and shall
not exceed the respective annual effective doses as prescribed by the
competent authority. Appropriate shielding shall also be provided for the
dark room to ensure that the undeveloped X-ray films are not exposed
to more than 10 µGy per week. The important dose limits are given in
Appendix-I.

3.5 Openings and Ventilation

Unshielded openings in an X-ray room for ventilation or natural light shall

be located above a height of 2 m from the finished floor level outside
the X-ray room.

3.6 Illumination Control

Rooms housing fluoroscopy equipment shall be so designed that

adequate darkness can be achieved conveniently, when desired, in the
room.

3.7 Control Panel

The control panel of diagnostic X-ray equipment operating at 125 kVp

or above shall be installed in a separate room located outside but
contiguous to the X-ray room and provided with appropriate shielding,
direct viewing and oral communication facilities between the operator and
the patient. In case of X-ray equipment operating up to 125 kVp, the
control panel can be located in the X-ray room. The distance between
control panel and X-ray unit/chest stand shall be not less than 3 m for
general purpose fixed X-ray equipment.

3.8 Waiting Areas

Patient waiting areas shall be provided outside the X-ray room.

3.9 Warning Light and Placard

A suitable warning signal such as red light shall be provided at a

conspicuous place outside the X-ray room and kept “ON” when the unit

20
 is in use to warn persons not connected with the particular examination
from entering the room. An appropriate warning placard as indicated in
Appendix-II shall also be posted outside the X-ray room.

3.10 Dark Room

The dark room shall be located adjacent to the X-ray room such that no
primary or secondary X-rays reach inside the dark room.

21
 4. RADIATION PROTECTION AND WORK PRACTICE

4.1 Occupancy in X-Ray Room

No person other than those specifically concerned with a particular

X-ray examination shall stay in the X-ray/CT gantry room during
radiological examinations. The X-ray room shall be kept closed during the
radiation exposure.

4.2 Assistance to Patients

Holding of children or infirm patients for X-ray examination shall be done

only by an adult relative or escort of the patient and not by a staff member.
Such persons shall be provided with protective aprons and gloves. No
pregnant women shall hold the patient during X-ray examination.
Immobilisation devices shall be used to prevent movement of children
during exposure. In no case shall the film or X-ray tube be held by hand.

4.3 Foetal Protection

Notice in local language shall be displayed in the X-ray department at

a conspicuous place asking every female patient to inform the
radiographer or radiologist whether she is likely to be pregnant.
Examination of women known to be pregnant shall be given special
consideration.

4.4 Organ Shields

Gonad shields shall be employed to shield the reproductive organs of

the patient unless it would interfere with the information desired. Eye
shields shall be provided to protect the eyes of patients undergoing such
special examinations as carotid angiography. Thyroid shields shall be used
where necessary.

4.5 Mobile Equipment

A mobile X-ray unit shall be used with appropriate safety measures to

22
 protect the public in the vicinity. Minimum occupancy and maximum
distance from occupied areas and temporary shields shall be employed
for the purpose. Fluoroscopy shall not be carried out with mobile
equipment.

4.6 Servicing of Unit

Only persons certified by the competent authority on the basis of their

experience and radiation protection background to undertake this job
safely shall undertake servicing of X-ray equipment. The service
personnel shall use appropriate radiation survey meters and direct reading
dosimeters, in addition to personnel monitoring devices, for on-the-spot
verification of radiation levels.

4.7 Personnel Monitoring

All radiation workers shall use appropriate personnel monitoring devices,

as instructed by the employer.

4.8 Storage of Radiation-Sensitive Materials

Storage of undeveloped X-ray films and personnel monitoring devices

when not in use shall be done appropriately in areas protected from
X-rays and other radiation sources in the installation.

4.9 Serial Changers

Automatic serial changers shall be used where the volume of work

demands such specialised equipment.

4.10 Optimisation of Dose

To ensure minimum possible dose to the patient, the field size shall be
restricted to the minimum that is consistent with the diagnostic
requirement. Particular attention shall be paid to restricting field size in
paediatric radiology. Gonads, unless required, shall not be exposed to
primary beam.

23
 5. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Requirements

5.1.1 Safety Personnel

Every X-ray department shall have a Radiological Safety Officer (RSO)

having qualifications as prescribed in Appendix-III and approved by the
competent authority. The RSO may either be the employer himself/herself
or a consultant or a full/part-time employee to whom the employer shall
delegate the responsibility of ensuring compliance with appropriate
radiation safety/regulatory requirements applicable to his/her X-ray
installation.

5.1.2 Radiologist

All installations having more than two X-ray units, or even a single
X-ray unit with fluoroscopy facility, and all establishments performing
special procedures, shall have the services of a qualified radiologist. The
qualifications and experience shall be as given in Appendix-III.

5.1.3 X-ray Technologist

All X-ray installations shall have either a radiologist or a qualified X-ray

technologist to operate the X-ray unit. The minimum qualifications and
experience for X-ray technologist shall be as given in Appendix-III.

5.2 Responsibilities

5.2.1 Manufacturer

The manufacturer or supplier of X-ray equipment shall make available to

the actual user detailed procedures for routine quality assurance tests,
exposure charts, operating manuals and a copy of safety/regulatory
documents as may be issued by the competent authority from time to
time. The manufacturer or supplier shall provide appropriate servicing

24
 and maintenance facilities during the useful life-time of X-ray equipment.
In case of CT, the manufacturer shall provide the required phantoms for
dosimetry and image quality checks.

5.2.2 Service Engineer

Persons undertaking servicing of X-ray equipment shall immediately report

to the competent authority any equipment no longer safe for use
according to this Code, furnishing brief description of the equipment, its
location/address, the name and address of the employer/owner and the
nature of defects that make the equipment hazardous. The minimum
qualifications and experience for service engineer shall be as given in
Appendix-III.

5.2.3 Employer

(a) In any diagnostic X-ray installation the ultimate responsibility of

ensuring radiation safety, availability of RSO and qualified
personnel for handling of X-ray equipment, and providing them
requisite equipment and facilities to discharge their duties, shall
rest with the employer. The employer shall also be responsible
for ensuring that personnel monitoring devices are made available
to the radiation workers. He/she shall inform the competent
authority of any change in equipment or staff including RSO.

(b) The employer shall ensure that persons handling medical X-ray
diagnostic equipment duly abide by the provisions of this Code.
In so doing they should obtain technical guidance from various
guides issued by the competent authority from time to time. He/
she shall also ensure that these documents are made available
to them. Further, the employer shall also implement any other
measures of safety as the competent authority may stipulate at
any time in each individual case, without delay.

5.2.4 Radiologist

The radiologist shall undertake an X-ray examination on the basis of

medical requirement. He/she shall so conduct the examination as to

25
 achieve maximum reduction in radiation dose to the patient while retaining
all clinically important information.

5.2.5 X-ray Technologist

X-ray technologist and other attending staff shall ensure appropriate

patient protection, public protection and operational safety in handling
X-ray equipment and other associated facilities.

5.2.6 Student/Trainee

Medical students/trainees shall not operate X-ray equipment except under

direct supervision of authorised operating personnel and shall not receive
an effective dose in excess of 6 mSv in any one year.

5.2.7 Radiological Safety Officer (RSO)

RSO shall assist the employer in meeting the relevant regulatory

requirements applicable to his/her X-ray installation. He/she shall
implement all radiation surveillance measures, conduct periodic radiation
protection surveys, maintain proper records of periodic quality assurance
tests, and personnel doses, instruct all workers on relevant safety
measures, educate and train new entrants, and take local measures,
including issuance of clear administrative instructions in writing, to deal
with radiation emergencies. RSO shall ensure that all radiation measuring
and monitoring instruments in his/her custody are properly calibrated and
maintained in good condition. Suitable records of such surveys, including
layout drawings, dose mappings, deficiencies noticed and remedial actions
taken, shall be maintained for future follow-up.

26
 6. REGULATORY CONTROLS

6.1 Design Certification

Every medical diagnostic X-ray equipment shall meet the design safety
specifications stipulated in this Code. The manufacturer/vendor shall
obtain design certification from the competent authority prior to
manufacturing the X-ray equipment.

6.2 Type Approval / No Objection Certificate

Prior to marketing the X-ray equipment the manufacturer shall obtain a

Type Approval Certificate from the competent authority for indigenously
made equipment. For equipment of foreign make, the importing/vending
agency shall obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the competent
authority, prior to marketing the equipment. Type Approval/NOC shall be
issued only if the equipment satisfies the safety specifications of this
Code and the standards in force, as demonstrated by actual type testing
of the equipment. Only type-approved and NOC-validated equipment shall
be marketed and used in the country. Format of application for NOC/Type
Approval is given in Appendix-IV.

6.3 Approval of Layout

No X-ray unit shall be commissioned unless the layout of the proposed

X-ray installation is approved by the competent authority. The application
for approval shall be made by the person owning responsibility for the
entire X-ray installation, in the format given in Appendix-V.

6.4 Registration of X-ray Equipment

Acquisition of an X-ray equipment, by purchase, transfer, gift, leasing

or loan, shall be registered with the competent authority by the person
acquiring the equipment. Registration shall be done only after the
installation is approved from radiation safety viewpoint.

27
6.5 Commissioning of X-ray Equipment

No X-ray equipment shall be commissioned unless it is registered with

the competent authority.

6.6 Inspection of X-ray Installations

The diagnostic X-ray installations shall be made available by the

employer/owner for inspection, at all reasonable times, to the competent
authority or its representative, to ensure compliance with this Code.

6.7 Decommissioning of X-ray Installations

Decommissioning of X-ray equipment shall be registered with the

competent authority immediately by the employer/owner of the equipment/
installation.

6.8 Certification of RSO

Any person accepting consultancy assignment to discharge the duties

and functions of RSO in diagnostic X-ray installations shall do so only
after obtaining certification from the competent authority for the purpose.
Such certification shall be granted on the basis of adequacy of the
person's qualifications, experience and testing/survey/dosimetry
equipment available. Formats of application for obtaining approval of RSO
are given in Appendix-VI. RSO shall be of at least Level-I.

6.9 Certification of Service Engineers

Only persons holding a valid certificate from the competent authority shall
undertake servicing of X-ray equipment. Certification shall be granted
on the basis of qualifications, training, experience, and safety record of
such person and availability of servicing facilities. Format of application
for obtaining approval of service engineers is given in Appendix-VII.

28
6.10 Penalties

Any person who contravenes the provisions of the Radiation Protection

Rules, 1971, elaborated in this Code, or any other terms or conditions
of the license/registration/certification granted to him/her by the
competent authority, is punishable under sections 24, 25 and 26 of the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962. The punishment may include fine, imprisonment,
or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

29
 APPENDIX-I

DOSE LIMITS

Workers

1. The cumulative effective dose over a block of five years shall not exceed
100 mSv.

2. The effective dose in any calendar year during a five-year block shall
not exceed 30 mSv.

3. (a) The equivalent dose in any calendar year to the lens of the eye
shall not exceed 150 mSv;
(b) The equivalent dose in any calendar year to the skin, the hands
and feet shall not exceed 500 mSv.

4. In case of a woman worker of reproductive age, once pregnancy has been

estabilished, the conceptus shall be protected by applying a
supplementary equivalent dose limit to the surface of the woman's
abdomen (lower trunk) of 2 mSv for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Internal exposures shall be controlled by limiting intakes of radionuclides
to about 1/20 of ALI. The employment shall be of such type that it does
not carry a probability of high accidental doses and intakes.

Trainees

The effective dose in any calendar year shall not exceed 6 mSv.

Public

1. The effective dose in any calendar year shall not exceed 1 mSv.

2. In special circumstances, a higher value of effective dose is allowed in

a single year, provided that the effective dose averaged over a five year
period does not exceed 1 mSv/y.

30
 APPENDIX-II

THE X-RADIATION WARNING SIGN

31
 APPENDIX-III

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

FOR PERSONNEL

1. Radiologist

(i) An M.B.B.S. degree from a recognised university or an equivalent

qualification; and
(ii) A post-graduate degree/diploma in radiodiagnosis from a
recognised university.

2. X-ray Technologist

(i) 10+2 or equivalent examination passed with science subjects from

a recognised board; and
(ii) Radiographer's/X-ray technologist's course of minimum one year
duration (including in-field training in diagnostic radiology)
passed from a recognised institution.

3. Radiological Safety Officer

A certification from the competent authority to the effect that the RSO
designate is capable of fulfilling the duties and functions of an RSO as
laid down in this Code.

4. Service Engineer

(i) A degree/diploma in electrical/electronic engineering or in an

associated discipline; and
(ii) A certification from the competent authority.

32
 APPENDIX-IV

Government of India
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Niyamak Bhavan, Anushaktinagar,
Mumbai-400094.

FORMAT OF “APPLICATION FOR NOC/TYPE APPROVAL OF MEDICAL

RADIOGRAPHY/FLUOROSCOPY/CT/MAMMOGRAPHY/DENTAL X-RAY
EQUIPMENT”

To be submitted by the manufacturer/assembler to the Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory

Board, Niyamak Bhavan, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094 with a copy to the Head,
Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, CT&CRS
Building, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094

Separate form should be submitted for each type of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment

A. Details of applicant

1. (a) Name and address of the applicant/local supplier with PIN code (in block letters):

(b) Mode of communication:

Telephone with STD code

Fax

Telex

Telegram

33
2. (a) Name and address of the manufacturer with PIN code:

(b) Mode of communication:

Telephone with STD code

Fax

Telex

Telegram

E-Mail

3. Person to be contacted regarding this application:

Telephone with STD code

4. Model name and type of equipment which is to be type approved:

5. State whether the equipment is for radiography/fluoroscopy/combined/mammography/ CT/

dental/special:

6. This application is for:

Type approval/NOC

Renewal of type Ref No.: Date: Valid till:

approval/NOC

7. Place where the unit is to be type tested for type approval:

34
B. Details of equipment specification

1. Name of the model of the unit:

2. Type of unit : Radiography/Fluoroscopy/Dental/CT/

Mammography/Special
Mobile/Portable/Fixed/
Any other (specify)

3. Additional facilities for special :

examination if any

4. Maximum rating of the unit

(a) Kilovolt :
(b) Milliampere :
(c) Exposure time (in seconds) :

5. Number of X-ray tubes :

6. Year and country of manufacture of the :

equipment

C. Details of X-ray tube

1. Name of manufacturer :

2. Type/Model - S.No. :

3. Nominal maximum voltage in kV :

4. Nominal continuous current rating in mA :

5. Type of anode : Stationary/Rotating

6. Anode heat capacity :

(Please enclose cooling curves)

7. Method of cooling the anode :

8. Target material used and target angle :

35
9. Number of focal spots, focal spot size : One/two
and location (specify the accuracy of the Small :............mm × .........mm
marking on the tube housing) Large :............mm × .........mm
Accuracy :........... mm
10. Inherent filtration provided in mm and :
material used

11. Year and country of manufacture :

D. Details of generator

1. Nominal voltage :

2. Type of rectification : Half wave/Full wave/Multipulse

3. Mains power requirements :

E. Details of X-ray tube housing

1. Material of X-ray tube housing :

(shielding) and thickness. If the material
used is other than lead, specify its lead
equivalence

2. Leakage radiation from the tube housing :

(measured at maximum rating and
measured values to be averaged over an
area of 100 cm2 at a distance of 1 m
from the target) for maximum number
of radiographs in one hour

F. Details of beam-limiting devices and filtration

1. Type of beam limiting device/devices : Light beam diaphragm/Cone/

used Collimator/Any special
arrangements

2. Leakage radiation through beam limiting : ..................... µGy/h

devices under condition specified in E.2

3. Light beam and radiation beam : Within ...............mm

congruence (attach a radiograph)

4. Dimensions of cones provided : Dental/Radiography

36
5. Filtration provided
(a) Inherent/permanent filtration : .................. mm Al

(b) Added filtration : .................. mm Al

(c) Total (in mm of Al equivalent) : ..................

G. Details of radiation output

1. X-ray beam output at 80 kVp : .................. µGy/mAs

for 20 × 20cm2 field at 1m
from target

2. Exposure rate at table top for fluoroscopy : .................. µGy/min

for .... kV ...... mA (specify target-to-table
top distance)

3. Exposure rate on the surface of the : .................. µGy/h

florescence screen with 30 × 30 × 30cm3
water phantom (tissue equivalent phantom)

4. Radiation level at diaphragm control knobs : .................. µGy/h

for fluoroscopy machines at maximum
technique factors with the water phantom

H. Details of fluoroscopy machines

1. Minimum target-to-table top distance : ..................cm

2. Lead glass backing of fluorescent screen :

(lead equivalence in mm)

3. Tube to screen alignment at maximum field :

size and FSD (specify the margin left all
around the screen)

4. Shutter movement mechanism :

5. Type of "ON"-"OFF" switch provided : Continuous/Dead man type

6. Lead rubber flaps Size Lead equivalence

(a) Below the screen : ...... ×.....cm2 ...........mm

(b) Sides of the screen : ......×.....cm2 ...........mm

37
7. Automatic exposure termination device : Yes/No

8. Material used for table top and aluminium:

equivalence of table top

I. Details of image intensifier

1. Screen size :

2. High contrast resolution :

3. Low contrast resolution :

4. Automatic brightness control :

5. Provision for reading kV, mA and pulse :

repetition rate

J. Any other relevant information you may like to furnish

K. Specify the National Standards : Bureau of Indian Standards/Any

other(specify)

I certify that all the information furnished by me is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Place : Signature :
Date : Name :
Designation :

(Seal of the institution)

38
 APPENDIX-V

Government of India
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Niyamak Bhavan, Anushaktinagar
Mumbai-400094.

FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF

X-RAY INSTALLATION LAYOUT"

1. Name of owner and address of the institution:

2. Address of proposed X-ray installation:

3. Address for correspondence:

4. Name and address of supplier:

39
5. Details of the X-ray unit to be commissioned:

(i) Model number :

(ii) Make :

(iii) Type approval certificate No. :

(iv) Maximum operating voltage :

(v) Maximum operating current :

(vi) Name and address of manufacturer :

6. Expected work load:

S.No Type of examination Number of examinations mAs per examination

1
2
3
4
5

7. The layout plan (scale 1:50) showing the location of X-ray unit, chest stand, doors,
control panel, mobile protective barrier, windows, ventilation, waiting areas and type
of occupancy around including above ceiling and below floor is enclosed. The thickness
of walls and distances of doors, control panel and windows from the X-ray machine/
chest stand are also indicated.

Place: Signature :
Date: Name :
Designation :

(Seal of the institution)

40
 APPENDIX-VI

Government of India
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Niyamak Bhavan, Anushaktinagar,
Mumbai-400094.

FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF NOMINATION OF

RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY OFFICER LEVEL-I"

To be submitted by the applicant to the Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Niyamak
Bhavan, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094 with a copy to the Head, Radiological Physics and
Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, CT&CRS Building, Anushaktinagar,
Mumbai-400094. The application for renewal of nomination should be submitted at least
two months prior to the expiry of approval

Part-1: Particulars of the Institution

1. Name and address of the institution with PIN code (in block letters):

2. Name, designation and address of the head of the institution (the applicant) with PIN
code (in block letters):

2. Mode of communication:

Telephone with STD code

Fax

Telex

Telegram

E-Mail

41
4. This application is for:

First time RSO

approval
Renewal of RSO Ref No.: Date: Valid till:
approval

5. Details of equipment available at the institution:

S.No. Name of the Model No. Operating parameters Date of

Type*
manufacturer kVp mA installation
(max.) (max.)

* Please indicate R for Radiography, F for Fluoroscopy, C for Combined, D for Dental, CT for Computed Tomography,
M for Mammography, Any others (specify)

6. Details of unusual occurrences that have taken place in the past including any radiation
emergencies:
S.No. incident Radiation equip- Details of Number of Maximum dose received
ment or source Nature of action persons by an individual as a
Date of incident
involved taken involved result of the incident

7. Radiation workers in the institution:

S.No. Name of employee Designation Responsibilities Date of Personnel monitoring
and date of birth and functions commencement of service number
radiation work

42
 Part-2: Particulars Of The RSO-designate

1. Name (with initials expanded) of the persons to be

designated as RSO (in block letters):
PLEASE AFFIX A
RECENT
PASSPORT SIZE
PHOTOGRAPH

2. Present designation of the nominee:

3. Address of the nominee:

Office address:

Telephone with STD code

Residential address:

Telephone with STD code

Permanent home address:

Telephone with STD code

43
4. Academic qualifications and training in radiation safety:

Qualifications S.No. University/Examining Degree/ Year of Subject(s) of study

body Diploma passing
Academic 1.

2.

Training course
in radiation 1.
safety

2.

5. Experience in radiation work:

S.No. Year(s) of work Name of institution Radiation Maximum PMS number

and address equipment, activity
sources handled handled if any

6. Radiation equipment/radioactive materials (if any in the institution) for which RSO will be
responsible:

Radiation Equipment

Radioactive Material

7. Additional responsibilities proposed to be assigned to RSO:

44
8. In case the application is for renewal of nomination of RSO, give details of functions and
responsibilities handled by the RSO since his approval. (Include functions such as tests and safety
checks, training of radiation workers in the institution, reporting on safety status and unusual
occurrences to AERB and RP&AD, BARC and any other functions relating to radiation safety
in the institution)

9. (a) I hereby certify that the information furnished above is correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief;

(b) I undertake to abide by the conditions stipulated by the competent authority from time
to time and follow guidelines in discharging the duties and responsibilities as RSO; and

(c) I further undertake to inform the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board immediately in case
I am relieved of my services as RSO.

Date : Signature of RSO-designate

10. (a) I hereby certify that all statements made in this application are correct to the best of
my knowledge and belief;

(b) I hereby undertake to provide all necessary facilities to RSO to discharge his/her duties
and functions effectively; and

(c) I further undertake to inform the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board immediately in case
the RSO is relieved of his duties.

Place : Signature of the head of the institution

(the Applicant)
Date :

(Seal of the institution)

45
 APPENDIX-VII

Government of India
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Niyamak Bhavan, Anushaktinagar
Mumbai-400094.

FORMAT OF "APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF SERVICE ENGINEER"

To be submitted by the applicant to the Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Niyamak
Bhavan, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094 with a copy to the Head, Radiological Physics and
Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, CT&CRS Building, Anushaktinagar,
Mumbai-400094. The application for renewal of approval of service engineer should be
submitted at least two months prior to the expiry of the approval

1. Name and address of the institution with PIN code (in block letters):

2. Name, designation and address of the Service Engineer with PIN code (in block letters):

3. Date of birth:

4. Mode of communication:

Telephone with STD code

Fax

Telex

Telegram

E-Mail

46
5. This application is for:

First time approval

Renewal of approval Ref No.: Date: Valid till:

6. Academic qualifications and training in radiation safety:

S.No: Degree/Diploma University/Examination Year of Subjects of study

body passing

7. Names of radiation monitoring instruments handled:

8. Details of work done with X-ray units:

Name of institution where the Type of X-ray Nature of job Exposure received
work was done unit serviced carried out (during each job)

47
9. I undertake to abide by the conditions stipulated by the competent authority from time
to time and follow the guidelines in carrying out the service of X-ray machines.

Place : Signature of the Service Engineer

Date :

10. (a) I hereby certify that all statements made in the application are correct to the
best of my knowledge;

(b) I hereby undertake to provide all necessary radiation monitoring instruments/badges

and protective devices for servicing of X-ray machines; and

(c) I further undertake to inform AERB immediately in case the service engineer leaves
the job.

Place: Signature of the Head of institution

Date :

(Seal of the institution)

48
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Atomic Energy Act, No. 33 of 1962.

2. Radiation Protection Rules, G.S.R.-1601, September 13, 1971.

3. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board - Its Powers and Functions: Constitution

Order by Government of India (Order No. 25/2/83-ER dt. 15.11.83),
(S.O. - 4772), No.53, Part-II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii) December 31, 1983.

4. Radiation Surveillance Procedures for Medical Applications of Radiation,

G.S.R.-388, March 29, 1989.

49
 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CODES AND GUIDES FOR

MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF RADIATION

Membership of the Committee (1986):

Dr. S.M. Sharma (Chairman) : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Dr. M.P. Jain : Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied

Sciences, Delhi

Dr. U. Madhvanath : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Shri P.S. Negi : Post Graduate Institute of Medical

Education and Research, Chandigarh

Dr. T.P. Ramachandran : Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum

Shri S. Ramaswamy : Peico Electronics & Electricals Ltd, Madras

Dr. I.S.S. Rao : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

Shri Masood Ahmad* : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

(Member-Secretary)

* Author of the initial draft of the first Code issued in 1986.

50
 TASK GROUP II

TASK GROUP FOR REVISION OF AERB SAFETY CODE FOR

MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATIONS

Members of the Task Group:

Dr. M.S.S. Murthy (Convenor) : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Formerly)

Dr. Masood Ahmad : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

Dr. D. Balasubrahmanian : BARC Hospital, Mumbai (Formerly)

Shri G. Janaki Raman : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Dr. A. Sankaran : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Formerly)

Shri. J.B. Sasane : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Shri V.K. Shirva : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Shri V.K. Bhargava : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

(Member-Secretary) (Formerly)

51
STANDING COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND REVISION
OF AERB'S RADIATION SAFETY DOCUMENTS (SCRCG)

Members participating in the meeting:

Shri A. Nagaratnam (Chairman) : Defence Research and Development

Organisation, Hyderabad (Formerly)

Shri E.B. Ardhanari : Walchandnagar Industries Limited,

Walchandnagar (Formerly)

Shri P.K. Ghosh : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

Dr. P.S. Iyer : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai,

(Formerly)

Dr. S.K. Mehta : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Formerly)

Dr. B.K.S. Murthy : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Formerly)

Dr. A.R. Reddy : Defence Research and Development

Organisation, Delhi

Dr. I.S.S. Rao : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

(Formerly)
Shri P.S. Viswanathan : Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Chennai (Formerly)

Dr. B.C. Bhatt : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Co-opted Member, since 1-9-1997)

Shri J.S. Bisht : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Co-opted Member) (Formerly)

Dr. M.S.S. Murthy : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Co-opted Member, till 31-8-1997) (Formerly)

Dr. A.N. Nandakumar : Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

(Co-opted Member)

Shri K.D. Pushpangadan : Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai

(Member-Secretary)

52